Severus Snape A Soul Undiminished

Chapter 52 - Remus & Tonks

Sirana once again found herself in a new bed. She was grateful to have a bed, considering some of the places they'd hidden out in lately were lacking even that. She was
also grateful for her grandfather's company. They talked a lot, and he was full of exciting and harrowing stories that he probably had wanted to tell her for years but couldn't. He also imparted a wealth of magical knowledge, and one night he admitted regretfully that he'd wished he hadn't promised her mother not to tell her about magic.
"I understand, grandfather. It's alright. Things have a way of working out. I'm happy that I had a chance to live my other life before this one. After the death of my husband, I could never have imagined my life having so much meaning again. Handel would be so proud to see me now. He would have wanted this for me—the Order, teaching, Severus...," she said earnestly.
"About Severus...I've known of him for a long time. I know that he is working as a spy for Dumbledore, and that he is in as dangerous of situation as we are—maybe more so. If anything happens, anything, trust him," her grandfather said seriously.
"I do, grandfather. More than anything," she said with sadness in her voice.
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A Soul Undiminished—Severus Snape
"I know what this has cost you, Sirana. I know that you love him, and I know he loves you too. Your grandmother and I never allowed the trials we faced to lessen our love for each other. In the end, it was the only thing that mattered, the only thing that made it all worthwhile. He will be there for you when you return. Just don't let the darkness of the times take away the light you've found with each other," her grandfather spoke with experience from his past, and possibly even a foreboding of the future.
"I promise grandfather. I will honor your words...for you, for grandmother, and for Severus," she said, tears falling now.
"Tomorrow, we're meeting with some members of the Order. I think it will cheer you up. Plus, I think we're both due for a bath and a comfortable bed," he said with a reassuring smile.
Sirana was happy to see friendly faces again, people she could trust. It felt comforting, and she felt her body and mind relax as they hadn't since she'd left Hogwarts. Remus was welcoming and Nymphadora was a doll. She made her feel completely at home, offering her a bath and some of her own clothes to change into and to take with her. She didn't take too long because she knew her grandfather was looking forward to a bath as well. She was thankful Severus had taught her the charm for the bath.
When she'd dried and dressed, she joined her hosts in their living room. They offered her food and wine, and she partook gratefully.
"We've heard a lot about you," Remus said. "It's good to finally meet you. You've come a long way in a short time,
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Remus & onks
it seems. Who can we thank for bringing you up to speed? Dumbledore?"
Remus was charming in his own way, and Sirana smiled at the compliment. "Dumbledore, yes, and my grandfather, but mainly Severus—Professor Snape. Do you know him?"
Remus and Nymphadora, who said everyone called her Tonks, looked at each other.
"Yes, we know him. We go back a while," Remus said vaguely. The conversation was cut short when a large man barged in the door.
"It wouldn't hurt to knock, Mad-Eye!" Remus barked.
Everyone stood to greet him, and he looked Sirana over, his glass eye moving up and down.
"Pleasure, miss. I heard you were coming. Is your grandfather not with you?" he said, sitting to join in on the meal.
"Yes, he's bathing at the moment. It's been a long road," Sirana explained.
Mad-Eye looked towards the back room."Ah,understandable. We know of your escapades. You've been busy. We're lucky to have you both."
Her grandfather emerged from the back room and him and Mad Eye embraced joyfully, clapping each other on the back.
"It's been a long time, Kane. I didn't think I would see you again, although I've seen the fruits of your labor everywhere over the years," Mad-Eye said.
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A Soul Undiminished—Severus Snape
"Yes. And you as well, Moody. I'm happy to see you made it through—almost unharmed," her grandfather replied, looking at Mad-Eye's multiple war wounds.
"Ah,well,I'm told the ladies love the scars,"Mad-Eye laughed. He then glanced over at Sirana, speaking to her grandfather. "I see your granddaughter has got your eyes, and your Katherine's good looks," he said directly. Sirana smiled at the compliment, as well as his amusing lack of tact.
Remus broke into the conversation at the right moment. "She also inherited her grandfather's magic abilities. She's proved Albus right once again. She's been invaluable to our cause."
Sirana blushed. She wasn't used to having so much attention on her, although it felt nice. She look at Tonks. "I hate to leave the party. You are all wonderful hosts, but would it be possible for me to go to bed early? I'm tired to the bone."
Everyone said their goodnights to her, and Mad-Eye even kissed her hand, which surprised her considering his brusque nature. Tonks took her to settle in for the night.
"It looks like you have an admirer, Sirana," Tonks whispered to her.
Sirana smiled, a little embarrassed. "I'd wondered. He's quite the charmer. But someone has already taken my heart, and it's the hardest thing I've done to be away from him."
Tonks smiled sadly. "I understand completely. It's not been easy for us...but to find love in these times is something worth fighting for."